World Religion Project

Ifu Ibekwe 7 Caussey

World Religion Project

Ifu Ibekwe 7 Caussey

Christianity

The religion of Christianity believes Jesus Christ was the son of God who died for our sins. Christians also believe that there is only one god who created the earth and all it's creatures, including man. Some rituals that Christians practice is the act of going to church on the Sabbath day, which is Sunday. Another ritual is the blessing of sacraments and the eating of the Eucharist.

The history behind Christianity was that is was developed out of Judaism and it was founded in the 1st century. It is founded on the life teachings of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and those who follow him are called Christians. Christianity has many different branches and forms with accompanying variety in beliefs and practices. The three major branches of Christianity are Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism.

Christians practice and study their holy book the bible, which has many teachings from Jesus and his disciples. A major holiday that Christians celebrate is Christmas which is the day Christ was born. Another holiday that they celebrate is Easter which marks the 3rd day of Jesus's resurrection.

Judaism

The religion of Judaism believs that there is only one god called Yahweh who created the earth and man in his image. Jews believe that the only way to get to Shamayim, the after life, is through unity through man and peace with each other. Some rituals that Jews practice is the act of celebrating the Shabbat day by attending their synagogue, their house of worship, every Sunday. Another ritual Is to eat kosher foods for blessing and cleansing.

The history behind Judaism was that it began 4,000 years ago with the Hebrew people in the Middle East. Abraham was considered the father of the Jewish faith because he promoted the idea of Judaism stating that there is one god. Abraham and his wife Sarah were told by god that their children would be as plentiful as the stars in the sky, and that they would live in the promised land. Abraham had a son named Isaac, Isaac later had a son named Jacob. This made all the descendants of Abraham Israelites. God promised the Israelites that he would care for them as long as they his laws. As time passed the Hebrews lived in Egypt, where they were enslaved by the pharaoh. Moses a Hebrew Jew was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When the Israelites were let out of Egypt God gave Moses 10 Commandments which guided the Jews till today. These 10 Commandments were taken out of the Torah the Jewish holy book.

Some Jewish major holidays are Hanukkah, this is when the Jews celebrate the Passover of Yahweh for 8 days and nights. Another holiday is called Purim this is when the Jews celebrate the story of Esther and how her bravery saved her people.

Islam

The religion of Islam believes that there Is only one god named Allah and his prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe that all power and selfish ways should be surrendered and be replaced with the will of Allah. They also believe that the only way to get to Jannah, the after life, is to leave all rebellious and prideful ways of man and join the God in paradise. Some Islamic rituals include 5 daily prayers, the fasting during the month Ramadan, and one travel to Mecca during ones lifetime to pray at the Mosque, house of worship.

Islam is a monotheistic religion that developed in the Middle East in the 7th century C.E. It was founded by the teachings of prophet Muhammad. Islam had many branches during the past thousand years. Two of these branches are called the Sunni and the Shia. The teachings that go way back are all in the Qur'an, the holy book, including the five pillars, which are the 5 commandments that all Muslims must follow.

A major holiday of Islam included Ramadan the fasting for the worship of Allah, and Mawlid al-nabi Mohammed's birthday.

Hinduism

The religion of Hinduism is A polytheistic faith, believing that good deeds and bad deeds all result in karma. They also believe the cycle of reincarnation continues as a person's life ends they will start a new life will begin again until they are pure enough to go Svargam, the after life to be with the gods. Some Hindu rituals is to go to temple one day every week to pray to their gods and worship. Another ritual is mediation. They do this to find inner peace within themselves.

Hinduism began 3000 years ago and spread across from India and the rest of Asia. The first Hindu teachers were called Brahmins. They passed down the teachings of Hinduism through oral stories, then later through text from the Veda, the Hinduism holy book. Many Indians began settling in the Ganges River for that daily prophets and teachings from the Brahmins. The religion is typically divided into four major sections, Shaiva, Vaishanva, Shakta, and Smarta. These are the four major gods worshipped in the Hinduism faith.

A major holiday of the Hinduism faith is Raksahbandhana, which is the renewal of friendship between brother and sister or siblings. Another holiday is Rama Navami, which is the celebration of the god Rama.

Buddhism

The religion of Buddhism believes in the end of human suffering. They also believe in reincarnation of the soul until it is pure enough to go to Nirvana, the afterlife. Buddhist also believe in karma, the act of a good or bad deed returning later in life. Some Buddhist rituals are meditation and prayer wheels, which is the act of reciting a certain prayer while turning a wheel.

Buddhism originated from Buddha, the enlightened one. He was a prince who outcasted of himself from the Royal life to be apart and observe the life of society in northern India, in the 5th Century. Buddha observed the suffering in the world and set out to find an antidote. He traveled all of northern India enlightening people about the four noble truths and the ways to end human suffering. In the course of its 2500 year history buddhism has undergone many modifications. There are currently three main branches of this religion.

A Buddhist holiday is Vesak which is a celebration of Buddha's birthday. Another holiday is called Asalha Puja, which celebrates the first teaching Buddha gave on the full moon.